Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic? No, Australian Shepherds are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. Australian Shepherds have a reputation as a hypoallergenic breed, but do they really deserve it? This article examines their qualities like coat type and shedding to see if they truly irritate fewer allergy sufferers. Australian Shepherds are a popular herding breed that has captured the hearts of many over the years. With their athleticism, intelligence, work ethic, and loyalty, it’s easy to see why this breed is so beloved. However, when considering adding an Australian Shepherd to your family, you may wonder – are Australian Shepherds hypoallergenic?

The answer is not so simple. Australian Shepherds are not necessarily hypoallergenic dogs by nature. However, whether or not an individual Australian Shepherd will irritate a person’s allergies depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Australian Shepherd coats, dander, grooming needs, and overall allergen production to help you determine if this breed could be a good fit for your home and lifestyle.

Introduction

Australian Shepherds are a popular dog breed that is admired by many for their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy. With their stunning coats and tireless work ethic, it’s no wonder Australian Shepherds have grown in popularity over the years. However, some people wonder if the breed sheds a lot or could be a hypoallergenic option for allergy sufferers looking to add a dog to their family.

In order to be considered truly hypoallergenic, a dog must produce less dander and shed less fur. Dander contains proteins that cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to them. Shedding also spreads allergens like dander and pollen caught in the dog’s coat throughout the home. So do Australian Shepherds fit the bill as a hypoallergenic breed?

Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

Australian Shepherds have a medium-long double coat, comprised of a soft undercoat covered by a longer outer coat. This double-coated structure means that Australian Shepherds do shed moderately, especially during seasonal shedding cycles in the spring and fall.

While some breeds are non-shedding, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Australian Shepherds still produce dander year-round, even if hair shedding is minimized through regular brushing and bathing. People with allergies can react to the dander, saliva, and urine of Australian Shepherds even if their coats appear well-managed.

So no – Australian Shepherds are not technically hypoallergenic dogs. Their coats and dander production mean they do not meet the criteria to be considered a hypoallergenic breed. People with allergies will still likely react to the dander and allergens produced by Australian Shepherds.

Do Australian Shepherds Shed a Lot?

While not hypoallergenic, Australian Shepherds are not considered extreme heavy shedders. Their shedding is classified as moderate. They will blow their coats seasonally during the spring and fall, meaning more hair shedding during those times of year as they replace their undercoats.

Their daily shedding throughout the rest of the year is manageable with routine brushing, especially of their undercoat. Many owners find that daily brushing when seasonal shedding occurs helps keep loose hair under control. Overall, the shedding is not as heavy as some breeds, but definitely more than a truly non-shedding hypoallergenic breed.

Tips for Managing Allergies with an Australian Shepherd

While Australian Shepherds produce allergens through dander, saliva, and urine, people with mild dog allergies may do fine living with an Australian Shepherd. But those with more severe allergies may struggle with symptoms over time. Here are some tips for managing allergies if you live with an Australian Shepherd:

• Bathe and brush your Australian Shepherd frequently using hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners to control dander buildup and minimize loose hair. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after contact.
• Use HEPA air filters throughout your home to filter out allergens. Vacuum carpet and furniture regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Consult an allergist about allergy medication like antihistamines or allergy shots to manage symptoms.
• Use hypoallergenic cleaning products and disinfectants when cleaning surfaces. Steam clean carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture routinely.
• Feed your Australian Shepherd a high-quality diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and supplement with oils that promote healthy skin and coat. A healthy coat traps more dander.
• Limit where your Australian Shepherd can access in your home to keep allergens contained and avoid fabrics that hold allergens like curtains and upholstery. Cover furniture and mattresses where your dog sleeps.

With diligence, many allergy sufferers find they can successfully live with an Australian Shepherd. But severe allergy cases may find it too challenging. Meet any individual dog first before committing.

Are Australian Shepherds a Good Choice for People with Allergies?

For people with mild pet allergies, Australian Shepherds may be a good choice with proper management. Their coats do not require intensive, frequent grooming like Poodles and other non-shedding breeds. But their activity needs can help manage allergy symptoms.

Australian Shepherds are very high energy dogs that need vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. Adequately tiring out this breed is key to avoiding problem behaviors that arise from boredom like excessive barking, chewing, digging, anxiety, and neurotic behaviors. These behaviors can worsen allergy symptoms.

Providing an Australian Shepherd with adequate outlets for their energy like hiking, running, agility training, interactive play, and herding work prevents these issues. A tired Australian Shepherd is a well-behaved Australian Shepherd.

Time spent exercising outdoors is also time not shedding allergens inside. Frequent brushing after outdoor play removes pollen and other irritants too. Just be sure to wipe down your Australian Shepherd before bringing them inside. With effort, Australian Shepherds can make good companions for allergy sufferers able to provide sufficient activity.

Breeding and Allergies

Reputable Australian Shepherd breeders do not claim their dogs are hypoallergenic, as no bloodline is proven to produce non-shedding, non-allergenic dogs. However, some breeders are working on allergy-friendly breeding programs. They aim to produce dogs that may be less likely to trigger allergies through these efforts:

• Careful selection of breeding dogs with skin and coats scoring positively for health and lower dander.
• Testing parents for common allergen levels and only breeding those with lower results.
• Breeding dogs with coats thought to trap more dander like shorter, denser coats.
• Feeding diets and supplements that optimize skin and coat health.
• Using new genetic tools to identify and place less allergy-triggering puppies.

These methods may help, but there are no Australian Shepherd breeders producing truly hypoallergenic dogs. The best indicator of whether a particular Australian Shepherd could be suited to an allergy sufferer is if the allergy sufferer spends time with the parent dogs and litters. No guarantees can be made, regardless of the breeder’s practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australian Shepherds are not a hypoallergenic breed. They shed seasonally and produce dander that can trigger allergies. However, with effort, many allergy sufferers find they can manage life with an Australian Shepherd through diligent cleaning, grooming, medication, and providing adequate exercise. For mild allergy cases able to make these commitments, Australian Shepherds can make fantastic companions. Those with severe allergies may struggle despite best efforts. Assess your own allergy symptoms and meet any dog before adoption to make the most informed decision.